Garmin has been pretty secret about their just announced Edge series, and the rumor mill has been rampant with guesses about what features they would contain, and whether it would just be called the Edge 900.

Garmin unveiled two new GPS bike computers today, the Edge 810 and 510, which are their first dedicated bicycling devices with real-time connectivity. These new units propagate forward the features of their current Edge 800 and 500 models, while adding advanced connection features that can be used through a smartphone. They feature a more user-friendly interface, sport live tracking, social media sharing and real-time weather updates. The basic difference between the models is that the Edge 810 has mapping capabilities, and the Edge 510 can utilize GLONASS satellites for better reception, otherwise they share the same feature suite. We did a full review on the Edge 500 and found it to be durable, accurate, with excellent usability and intuitiveness, and we hope that the new capabilities of the Edge 810 and 510 continue with the same high qualities of the predecessors.

The Edge 810 and 510 are each available in two different versions. The basic Edge 810 retails for $499.99, while the Edge 810 Performance and Navigation Bundle Version (maps, HR monitor, speed/cadence sensor, out front mount) goes for a whopping $699.99. The basic Edge 510 retails for $329.99, and the Edge 510 Performance Bundle Version (HR monitor, speed/cadence sensor, out front mount) goes for $399.99.

This video from Team Garmin captures their capabilities.

Thoughts
I am looking forward to testing all the new features and functions of the Edge 810 and 510, as the additions should make the units more robust and useful. The new UI sounds very interesting and should work smoother, since the touchscreen and flow through have been improved for better usage. Due to the Strava competition, Garmin has added connection features via a smartphone (Apple or Android) and their Garmin Connect Mobile App so that can you upload your latest exploits to the world. I’ll be interested how this interface and posting system works, and whether it out Starva’s Starva? The live tracking feature, which is very SPOT like, could be great to follow racers and will also come in handy for solo rides, so that loved one and friends can watch your whereabouts. I am not sure how useful getting a real time weather report on the units will be, so I’ll have to see if that sort of functionality helps. Being able to do a wireless upload of the data might be pretty handy, though I usually hook it up to the computer for charging and tend to upload it then. This type of uploading might be the ticket on road trips, and multi-day rides, or anytime you might not be near a computer. I do wonder how the real-time interfacing will affect your smartphones battery life, and how the live tracking will work when you have spotty phone reception? I never really use my iPhone for recording ride data, as I go on long rides that tend to eat up the batteries, and I frequent areas that have no reception. I have honestly found that the iPhone and App recording accuracy isn’t as good as true GPS units, so I prefer to use my Edge 800.

Edge 810
The mapping capable touchscreen Edge 810 is designed for the cyclist who wants it all — navigation and advanced training capabilities in 1 device. It offers connected features through your smartphone, including live tracking, social media sharing and weather. The 810 is compatible with optional detailed street or TOPO maps, so it can guide your ride for touring, commuting or extended activities where you might need onboard maps and navigation. Because it’s GPS-enabled, Edge 810 provides accurate data and navigation capabilities, anywhere in the world. It accepts microSD cards, weighs in at 98 grams, has a 2.6-inch diagonal sunlight-readable touchscreen, and uses a rechargeable lithium-ion with a 17-hour battery life.

Edge 510
The touchscreen Edge 510 is designed for the competitive cyclist who seeks the most accurate and comprehensive ride data. It offers connected features through your smartphone, including live tracking, weather and social media sharing. Whether you’re training, racing or touring, Edge 510 tracks the details of your ride, and you can view it later on a map at Garmin Connect. Compatible with GPS and GLONASS satellites for faster satellite acquisition and improved signal lock, the 510 is suited for the most challenging conditions, such as canyons. It weighs in at 80 grams, has a 2.2-inch diagonal sunlight-readable touchscreen, and uses a rechargeable lithium-ion with a 20-hour battery life.

Brian has been part of the Mtbr team since 2007, where he has become an integral member of the review and test staff, specializing in technical articles. He likes to push the limits in all the sports he obsesses in, whether it's mountain biking, whitewater kayaking, extreme skiing, or sport climbing. He takes those same strengths and a good dose of insanity to his reviewing and writing on mountain biking products, creating technical, in-depth and hyperbolic articles. Whenever he's not on the bike, he might be found watching MotoGP racing, otherwise look for him out on extremely technical singletrack.

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